Oysters and Activism: The Thomas and George Downing Episode

Frozen water not only chills our tea and cocktails -- for centuries, it was one of the only ways to keep fresh food from spoiling. In this classic episode: Anney and Lauren dig into the sometimes rocky history and extremely cool science of ice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This international brand of teas and other beverages (including instant soups) all got its start with one Scottish grocer. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and businesses behind Lipton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This complexly savory liquid seasoning is often made with only two ingredients: fish and sea salt. Anney and Lauren get lost in the history and science of nước mắm -- Vietnamese fish sauce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This cheese and the dish made with it are events unto themselves. Anney and Lauren melt over the science and history of raclette.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This now-ubiquitous container closure got its start in the 1800s and has been through a lot of innovation since then. Anney and Lauren follow the threads of the science and history of the screw cap (yes, including for wine).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Black father & son duo ran some of the first fancy restaurants in America – and had a stop on the Underground Railroad in their cellar. Anney and Lauren explore the story of Thomas G. Downing and George T. Downing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This small, sweet/tart fruit has been a favorite for millennia across basically the entire Northern Hemisphere. Anney and Lauren bramble on about the botany and history of the raspberry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This simple, hearty dish will give you a serious case of the Mondays (commendatory). Anney and Lauren simmer on the history and cultures behind red beans and rice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bite-sized treat, made of short-crust pastry filled with pineapple jam, is said to bring good fortune. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of Taiwanese pineapple cake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicken wings, deep fried and coated in a sauce, are eaten by the billions in the U.S. during the weekend of NFL's Super Bowl. In this classic episode, guest Ramsey Yount joins Anney and Lauren to explore the dish’s history, plus the science of how to make wings extra delicious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.